Nii Abrahams

Senior, Communications major with emphasis in Ethical Leadership / minor Sociology

Nii is living out the MSU Public Affairs mission both on and off campus.  As a participant in 2008, Nii is now a member of the volunteer Board of Directors for the non-profit fundraising organization called Missouri Leadership Seminar (MLS).  MLS provides a leadership discovery experience for selected Missouri high school sophomores.  The free, three-day event immerses students into an environment designed to enhance their communication and critical thinking skills, discover their strengths, and recognize their true leadership potential.  Nii states, “Our whole goal is to redefine what leadership is to them.  It’s not just a boring weekend, but a really unique approach of various teambuilding activities, expressing opinions on today’s issues, interacting with business professionals and giving back through volunteer projects.  Students tap into their own leadership potential and see their talents, strengths, and unique personalities as a way for them to lead and give back to their communities in their own special way.”     The entire MLS staff spends hundreds of hours each year planning and fundraising for this incredible weekend.

Having volunteered in many different MLS staff positions over the years, Nii says that one of the most rewarding aspects are the opportunities to speak to high schools across Missouri on topics of leadership and diversity — “those opportunities have meant the world to me because I have such a passion for not only communicating, but also simply being a part of high school/college age students’ lives — it’s incredible to think this has all happened because of MLS!”  

We are pleased to recognize Nii Abrahams as February’s Public Affairs Student Spotlight for his inspiring work of modeling and mentoring young students to become ethical leaders and positively engaged our communities.